In this article, you will learn all the important points to consider when creating a good laser file for your Mr Beam. 

1. Basics

  • Mr Beam designs are divided into raster graphics and vector graphics. While raster graphics can only be engraved, you can engrave and cut vector graphics. (Click here for more information)

  • A vector graphic can in turn contain raster graphics, areas and paths. Also in a vector graphic embedded raster graphics as well as areas are only engraved. Paths can also be cut in addition to engraving.
  • The Mr Beam software recognizes the color of paths. Assign different colors to paths to achieve different results (e.g. red = cutting, blue = engraving). Use only easily distinguishable colors. (Click here for more information)
  • In your graphics program, you can convert paths to areas. This feature allows you to adjust the thickness of paths that are to be engraved only. By default, paths are engraved only with the strength of the laser beam by simply tracing them. (Click here for more information)

  • Normally, your design will be displayed in the Mr Beam software in the same size as in the graphics program. Set the units of the graphics program to millimeters to adjust the size to the original scale. 

2. Technically good file 

  • In a cutting file, make sure that your design is cohesive. Otherwise, individual elements may fall out. (e.g. the inside of the letter "O")
  • To simplify the work of Mr. Beam, your file should not contain groupings and different layers. If necessary, simply delete them so that all elements are contained in one layer. 
There are several levels and groups in this file.This file has only one layer.
  • Therefore, create paths in one piece if possible, so that a path can also be cut continuously. For example, in 3D CAD software exports, circles may consist of several individual paths instead of one complete path.
  • When creating elements, make sure that they do not overlap. Otherwise, Mr. Beam will cut in places where it has already been cut. Use the Pathfinder function (Unite faces) for faces to make them into one element.

3. Simplicity

  • The fewer path points your file contains, the faster Mr Beam can calculate how to cut the design. For example, no more than four path points are required for a circle. So remove all points and paths that are not important.

  • When creating your design, bear in mind that very delicate, cut structures can easily break depending on the material. Therefore, make the design appropriately stable.

4. Font (Klicke hier für mehr Infos)

  • Convert the font into paths so that it is recognised correctly. Fill the font to engrave it or give it an outline of any thickness to cut it.
  • If necessary, keep an area free in your design to ensure that it remains customisable. You can then add a personalised text (e.g. a name) later in the Mr Beam software using the Quicktext feature.